Herb Franson
- Elizabeth0567
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
Herbert Elroy Franson, at the age of 85, went home to be with his Lord on August 1st, 2025. Herb was born to Edward and Margaret Franson on September 24th, 1939, in Ritzville WA. As one of five children, he was raised on a dairy and grain farm along Coulee Creek just outside of Spokane WA. Herb graduated from the Reardan Grade School and High School (1958), and he graduated from Eastern Washington State College (1963) with a BA degree in Industrial Arts. Herb married Carol McLellan on June 15th, 1962, and they raised their family on that same family land along Coulee Hite Road.
Herb was blessed with both a technical mind and skillful hands. In his early career, he was a draftsman at Columbia Lighting and Central Premix and an engineer at CC Automation. In 1974, Herb started his own business, HEFCO Automated Equipment, designing and manufacturing custom window fabrication equipment for House of Aluminum and Glass.
Along the way, Herb designed and built their six-sided house and a shop for his business. His abilities in design and craftsmanship were apparent in many of his hobbies, such as woodworking and the building of banjos and other music instruments. Most importantly, Herb was a loving devoted husband, dad, “Bumpa”, mentor, and friend to his neighbors.
Herb was proceeded in death by his wife of 61 years, Carol Franson (2023), and by his youngest son, Eric Franson (2024). He is survived by his son Greg (and Debbie) Franson, his daughter Gail King, son Jeff (and Debra) Franson, and daughter-in-law Alicia Franson.
Herb and Carol had five grandchildren, Jalayne Toland, Chelsea Franson, Davis King, Veronica Parks and George Franson; and they had five great grandchildren, Grey, Mordecai, Michael, Marshall, and Olivianna.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday September 27, 2025, in the event center at Rockwood Retirement at Whitworth, 10332 N Middleton Dr, Spokane, WA 99218. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of Spokane.
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